The chopper, dubbed Alligator, will serve as a model for helicopters that are expected to accompany the Mistral-class of amphibious assault ships Russia is now building, according to holding company Russian Helicopters.

In 2011, France inked an agreement to sell four Mistral warships to Moscow, with two to be built in Russia, with the landmark deal becoming the first sale to Russia of sensitive technology by a NATO country. (AFP)